Simon SMITH Obituary

My friendship with Simon began at North Shore Teachers' College. There was always lots of fun and laughter with Simon and our big group of girls, due to Simon's personality and quick wit. To be doing what he loved, where he loved, is a classic ending for a sailing man of the sea. My condolences to Sue, Jane, David and families.

Carolyn Brakenrig (Auld)

So very sorry to hear this sad news. I have so many memories of meeting Simon at Teachers College in 1972 and the fun we had there. Sending condolences to Sue and family on their sudden loss. He will always be remembered.

Every day st school I looked forward to the chats, humor and the inevitable story about one of NZ's finest achievers or leaders, often one our great military commanders from either world wars. Several others in our group of "experienced teachers" shared this enjoyment too. In a dull day Simon would bring light. cheer and delicious humour to it. For me too we shared many rugby occasions , either at school watching the 1st XV or, at home with two other close friends. The banter was marvelous. A bloody good bloke and a friend you could rely on unconditionally, his untimely passing has denied us a man whose very presence enhanced our lives. He is now beyond the horizon into another world.

Sir,

You were the best. Your stories, experience and the way you shared that to benefit us was nothing short of legendary. But most of all you gave a stuff about us and cared and showed genuine interest, not just over the five years we were there but for a lifetime. Thank you and I hope you're hearing these messages because people seriously loved you and your style. You will never be forgotten. Go well Sir, Duncan Garner.

Fair winds my friend, see you on the ocean again one day xx

Our thoughts are winging their way across the sea from the Whitsundays as you celebrate the remarkable life of this man of the sea.

Our Family Group will miss you dearly Simon.
Our families have all grown up together, through love, laughter tears and tough times. Simon was an amazing husband, father & grandad. He made time to talk to everyone and shared his wisdom freely. He had a big heart for people from all walks of life.
A real gentleman.
Sue, David, Chris & Bex, we grieve with you. We are here for you .
Blessings from your Family Group. Xxx

We were so saddened to hear of Simon´s passing in a tragic yachting accident. No matter the time of day or where you were Simon always had a cheery smile, time to chat or tell us a story. Always brought a sense of positivity to the day.
We would always end up having a great chat with Sue and Simon when we´d both be at the same local cafe & once in Rarotonga at the same time. That was a lot of fun & we would often say if we saw you, when are you going back to Rarotonga Xx
Simon, you will always be fondly remembered as a friend and colleague.
Much love always to Sue & your family.
Michele and Brian Leeder.

Vale Simon Smith
Sue, we´re so sorry to hear this terrible news. Sending you much love and strength xo

Mac and Paul would have been truly devastated to lose Simon. We all are.
The story goes ... Mac and Simon first met about 40 years ago when Simon asked Lou Tercel at Westhaven if he could come for a sail, and Lou said, ask Mac - and so Simon became part of the Ranger crew and a dearly loved and much enjoyed friend. A genuine and extraordinary person, Simon was always a welcomed visitor at Madison Place and Bert Sutcliffe with Mac and Jude. Conversations were animated with exclamations and passion for whatever the topic was being discussed ... his vast knowledge of classic yachts, their history, the pros and cons of refits, all yacht racing - more recently, he even helped the girl´s friend to look at a yacht for purchase. Simon was an avid reader of anything sailing, circulating his magazines around the old Ranger crew, always recommending a must-read. Generosity and humour should have been his middle name.
The rest of us Redmonds loved Simon too - always interested in a chat about what had been happening for us recently.

Simon, we love you and will miss you enormously, and we are heartbroken not to be sharing more stories and life with you. We hope the crew in the sky were there, ready to take you out on the water and sail the skies.
The Redmond´s,
Jude, Monique, Margaret, Nik, Josh and Bella xo

I had the pleasure of teaching with Simon at WBHS. There was never a dull moment with Simon. Always positive with an amazing sense of humor. My sons, Richard and Winston were also exposed to Simon's knowledge and enthusiasm at WBHS. Both forever grateful for the experience.
Keep sailing.
Mike Cowie

You were a wonderful mate and colleige and we will miss you. We will miss your visits on your return from up North and your laughter. Sail well in the sky until we meet again.

An amazing teacher and a great colleague. You have touched the lives of so many people and you will be missed dearly. I especially remember that amazing sense of humour and how dedicated he was to the students and their learning. Simon, you are one of those special characters that will always be remembered. Love and best wishes to you and your family at this difficult time.

So saddened to hear of Simon been lost in such a tragedy. He was a true legend every which way. I have so many fond memories of him during my years sailing on Innismara, he was the cool bowman aboard Ranger so smart in all his whites, us girls loved him and were known to always shout out, Simon Smith with the gorgeous body....he loved it!
My thoughts are with you Sue and all the family.
Sail on my friend, you'll be greatly missed.

Catherine Livingstone

Fond memories of Teachers College

Shine brightly my friend. Missing our morning laughs, and much better my day was after seeing you.

Our thoughts are very much with you at this time Sue & families. We are out of NZ at the moment so will not be able to share in Simon's farewell.
Don & Robyn Low
Te Uenga

Saddened to hear that Simon, such a warm character, is lost to us, especially for the family. Remember his amusing ditty/poems made up about us, his 'rival' crew on Innismara.
Jan and Mandy Jenkins, fellow sailors

A Westlake legend has sadly passed. Simon was an unforgettable teaching colleague whose humour, stories and passion for teaching could not fail to light up your day. The Westlake Boys Social Sciences staff room could never be the same without him.
Simon was a wonderful friend and I have warm memories of sailing to Kawau with him and sharing end of year staff get-aways there.
My thoughts and sincere condolences to Sue and the family.

Dear Sue you and you family are ever present in my thoughts and prayers during these days. May gentle waves of love enfold you and give you peace.

Such a tragic event, and such a loss.
I was really saddened to read of Simon's demise.
He was such a valued and humorous colleague at Westlake.
I will always remember him as a good friend.
Derrick Gee.

Such a tragic event, and such a loss.
I was very saddened to hear of Simon's demise.
He was such a valued and humorous colleague at Westlake.
I will always remember him as a good friend.
Derrick Gee.

My sadness and the loss is immense. Simon always lit your day whether on or off the water and it was always a great day ... my thoughts and condolences are with his wife Sue and his family.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident which claimed Simon's life during the Coastal Classic.
He was one of our loyal customers who came in for his monthly yachting fix when picking up his copy of the Seahorse Sailing magazine and browsing for something interesting to read. We shall miss his cheery smile, his hearty laugh and the cheek he gave us which was always good heartedly. He sure was a gentleman.
Wishing Simon's family all the strength to get through these most difficult times. Keep sharing the memories.
The crew a Boat Books in Westhaven, Ray, Sue, Janet and Marianne

So sorry to hear about Simon. Our thoughts are with you Sue and family .
Deepest sympathy from the Doar Family

Simon was a special kind of person who would always greet you with a smile a story or a hug or all three
As a family we would visit Simon and Sue in the Bay of Islands
I remember taking them fishing and another evening playing scrabble
Simon will be remembered by all of his students as a caring fair minded person who was passionate about what he taught
Simon took over the sailing team from me and I spent a most enjoyable week in 2003 with Simon and his team at the nationals at Napier
Simon always asked after our two boys who attended WBHS
Our sincere condolences to Sue and the family at this sad time
Allan Pamela Derek and Neal Hooper

To the family we the Boys family send our condolences. The Boys grew up in hauraki with the smiths. Mr Smith taught my brothers, and myself at Westlake being my dean. He was a fantastic teacher who was one of few that gave me the benefit of the doubt and supported me to learn and become a confident person. We will never forget Mr Smith, I doubt I would be a Teacher now without his influence. Rest in peace sir.

I am so sorry to hear of Simon's death during an activity he was passionate about. I am also devastated that he is unable to enjoy the best job I have ever had, which is a retired grandfather. Most of the laughter that I enjoyed so much in the staffroom involved Simon. He was fun to be around and his story telling was inspirational. Pip and I are thinking of you Sue and your family at this difficult time. Our love and caring thoughts are ]heading your way. Paul Ferner

Very saddened to hear of Simon's passing. He will leave a huge void in your family. Sue - sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers for you and family. Treasure the memories - while they don't take away the pain remembering the good times will bring happiness and peace to your soul . As the saying goes "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved". Take Care and God Bless.

Fair winds Simon - condolences to the family.

I have fond memories of ocean racing on Nell Gwyn with Simon - then greeting him on his round the world race Auckland arrival - and many times since. Simon was a great supporter of classic and current yachting - he will be greatly missed.

We were blessed to be part of Simon´s journey. A true gentleman and inspirational Kiwi bloke. Our sadness is as deep as the oceans he loved. May you Rest In Peace and be Raised in Glory!

Thank you Mr Smith for being the amazing teacher, mentor, friend and confidant you were to the literally thousands of lives you impacted.
You were a storyteller par excellence, a deep source of knowledge on many matters with a keen love of sport and humanity.
The Westlaker community has hole in it with your passing, but we will forever smile as we remember your ready humour, your scorching wit as dry as sandpaper and a hearty laugh that infected us all.
Vale Mr Smith....they sure broke the mould when they made you Sir

Vale Mr Simon Smith - Westlake Boys High School teacher.Simon was my form teacher in 3rd form and taught my 4th form science class. Simon was most certainly a kind hearted man. I remember his razor sharp wit always brightened a day indeed. Simon often recalled stories to us of his times on the high seas during the Whitbread yacht race on a boat called United Friendly.Thank you Mr Simon Smith for the positive influence you left on many of us indeed. Deepest and most heartfelt condolonces to Simon's family and friends at this sad time .RIL and RIP Simon Smith

Much saddened by the news of your devastating loss, Sue and family. Draw strength from each other and treasure the memories of your dear Simon.

Absolutely devastated to hear of Mr. Smith's passing. Mr. Smith was a massive influence in my life growing up, I am sure most old boys who had the privilege of having his class will say the same. He had such a passion for History and always made every class with him something that you genuinely looked forward to.

On a personal note, I will forever appreciate and remember his wisdom and advice given to a troubled teenage kid, and now, as a grown man, wishes he could have had the chance to thank him for all he has done. Rest in Peace Simon, you are greatly missed.

Sympathy and Regards from the Te Aroha
David Burnie Allison families, our thoughts are with you all.

Vale Mr Simon Smith - Westlake Boys High School teacher.Simon was my form teacher in 3rd form and taught my 4th form science class. Simon was most certainly a kind hearted man. I remember his razor sharp wit always brightened a day indeed. Simon often recalled stories to us of his times on the high seas during the Whitbread yacht race on a boat called United Friendly.Thank you Mr Simon Smith for the positive influence you left on many of us indeed. Deepest and most heartfelt condolonces to Simon's family and friends at this sad time .RIL and RIP Simon Smith

So saddened to hear this news. Simon was an amazing man who extended his knowledge, time and humour to us in the Westlake Girls sailing team, my time being 2004-2008. I'll never forget our relentless trainings, the training camps, regattas and championships - and all being sent off to bed early so he and the other coaches/managers could start on the Appleton's. Thank you Simon. Rest easy.

Knowing Simon since my early days of sailing on Innismara and then my time working at Westlake. His wonderful sense of humour and smile always lit up the room. To Sue and your family & friends, may you be surrounded in loving memories of Simon and his incredible gift he shared with so many.

RIP Simon, a man who fearlessly raced around the World, on the Whitbread Race in 81/82 onboard United Friendly, against us on Flyer & Gundry on Ceramco, a man who came to many Mast Parties, & loved by many at Westlake School. After surviving Southern Ocean extreme conditions, so unfair to be taken away on a short trip up the coast to Russell. Sincerest condolences to family, sail on Simon RIP

I am so sorry to hear of Simon's passing. He was a wonderful colleague, a gifted teacher, and a truly lovely person. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Simon was not one to pull his punches, his humour or his frienship. He was a special colleague and friend and one who added much to the lives of those around him.

I´m so sad to hear this. Simon had the best smile, a joke when it was needed and was a great friend at Westlake. Truely a nice man.

SMITH, Simon Roger Murray (Simon). Passed away on October 20, 2023. We will be ever indebted to your patient guidance, sailing expertise and experience, your razor sharp wit, your political irreverence, your steel trap knowledge of every yacht on the harbour, your tall stories, your scrabble prowess and your dedication to all things varnishing. May the waters of the Waitemata lap over you and sing you to rest. Your partners in crime on Seaquel, Gulliver, the mighty Hotspur and JoMarli.